The Transition -> From Junior to Senior

From this… 

To this…

 

The Transition -> From Junior to Senior
By Ryan Stoddart (the shorter one)

The RQYS senior presentation was the red carpet night of the sailing world in South East Queensland. All sailors donned their suits and elegant gowns, the first time whilst present at RQ, and there was no place for booties and a life jacket. Yet the presentation was like any other, it had long speeches, followed by surprised and cheerful winners.

However making the transition from the junior fleet to the senior fleet, daunting and scary as it seemed at the time, was really quite fun. The senior sailors accepted us into their circle. Never did we feel left out or like we didn’t belong. The bond shared between all sailors alike, whether sailing yachts or dinghyies held the night together.

As elegant as the night seemed, a sailor is still a sailor and many jokes and mischief could be seen. As I recall walking out of the bathroom laughing to myself after hearing, “Gee it’s cold at the bottom” from some unknown yachtie. This made me realise that the only difference between senior and junior sailors is the amount of sun inflicted wrinkles on their brow. For all in all, sailing is about having fun and to have such a great end to another well run season, was more than any salt crusted sailor could ask for.

Photos:
Top photo – Ryan Stoddart competing in the Australian Laser National Championships (Jan 06)
Bottom photo – Ashley Lloyd (left) and Ryan Stoddart – Dressed to the nines for the Senior Presentation

Lloyd – Winner of Seasons Points (Sir Leslie Orme Wilson Cup)
Stoddart – Most consistent Junior Skipper (Harold Dean Memorial Trophy)